Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Nelson Crag — Pillars 26.1 Miles WSW of Chapman Inn
Coos County, New Hampshire · USGS Mount Washington Quadrangle · GNIS 872375
One of only 15 pillars catalogued within the 80 km reach of Chapman Inn, Nelson Crag lies on the USGS Mount Washington quadrangle in Coos County, New Hampshire — 26.1 miles west-southwest of the Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Coos County, New Hampshire, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Nelson Crag as a rock pillar on the Mount Washington topographic quadrangle (FIPS 33/007), under Feature ID 872375. Catalogued in GNIS since 08/27/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Nelson Crag sits at 44.28006° N, 71.28646° W (DMS 44°16′48″ N, 71°17′11″ W).
Other pillars in Coos County, New Hampshire
Coos County, NH contains 8 pillars catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Nelson Crag itself. The ones closest to Nelson Crag:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Crag | Mount Washington | 0.8 mi |
| Lion Head | Mount Washington | 1.1 mi |
| Glen Boulder | Stairs Mountain | 3 mi |
| Kelton Crag | Mount Washington | 5.6 mi |
| Eagle Crag | Wild River | 10.8 mi |
| Pininsula Molls Rock | Umbagog Lake North | 36.1 mi |
| Table Rock | Dixville Notch | 40.2 mi |
Features on the USGS Mount Washington Quadrangle
The Mount Washington 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 68 catalogued natural features alongside Nelson Crag. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agiocochook Crag | Summits | Coos County, NH | 0.3 mi |
| Chandler Ridge | Ridges | Coos County, NH | 0.6 mi |
| Alpine Gardens | Other Natural Features | Coos County, NH | 0.7 mi |
| Ball Crag | Pillars | Coos County, NH | 0.8 mi |
| Washburn Point | Summits | Coos County, NH | 1 mi |
| Mount Washington | Summits | Coos County, NH | 1.1 mi |
| Presidential Range | Ranges | Coos County, NH | 1.1 mi |
| Lion Head | Pillars | Coos County, NH | 1.1 mi |
| White Mountains | Ranges | Coos County, NH | 1.1 mi |
| Spaulding Lake | Lakes | Coos County, NH | 1.1 mi |
Ranking & rarity
- Among the 15 pillars catalogued within 80 km of Chapman Inn, Nelson Crag ranks #4 by proximity to the Inn (closer than 73%).
- This is one of only 15 pillars catalogued within Chapman Inn’s 80 km reach — a rare classification in the local landscape.
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing WSW out of Bethel for 26.1 miles (west-southwest) and you reach Nelson Crag; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 45 minutes.
Best time to visit
Accessible May through November in most years. Being this far north (lat 44.280°), first snows typically arrive by mid-October and linger into early May — narrow the window accordingly. At 26.1 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Nelson Crag track the nearby Agiocochook Crag summit (0.3 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Nelson Crag
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agiocochook Crag | Summits | Coos County, NH | 0.3 mi |
| Chandler Ridge | Ridges | Coos County, NH | 0.6 mi |
| Alpine Gardens | Other Natural Features | Coos County, NH | 0.7 mi |
| Ball Crag | Pillars | Coos County, NH | 0.8 mi |
| Washburn Point | Summits | Coos County, NH | 1 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nelson Crag located?
Nelson Crag is in Coos County, New Hampshire, approximately 26.1 miles west-southwest of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Mount Washington topographic quadrangle.
How far is Nelson Crag from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 45 minutes, 26.1 miles west-southwest (bearing WSW) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Nelson Crag?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Nelson Crag as a rock pillar, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 872375 on the Mount Washington quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Nelson Crag?
Accessible May through November in most years.
How many other pillars are in Coos County, New Hampshire?
GNIS lists 7 other pillars in Coos County, New Hampshire.
How rare is pillars as a classification near Chapman Inn?
Only 15 pillars are catalogued within the 80 km radius of the Inn — a comparatively rare classification.